SPF & Photography: Which 2 brands I use and recommend.

We all know the golden rule: we must wear SPF daily to protect our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. But there is a question many of ,my clients ask—which SPF should I use when being photographed?

Not all sunscreens are the same, especially when using flash photography. Many SPF formulas can leave a visible ‘white cast’, causing a flash back effect where your skin looks lighter or washed out compared to your natural tone. This happens when certain ingredients reflect the flash, bouncing light off your skin in photos.

As a professional makeup artist with over 23 years of experience, I have tested lots of different sunscreens on clients, especially my brides and models. I have now narrowed down to 2 different brands that I reach for in my kit and have not let me down.

1. Allies of Skin The One SPF 50 Invisible Sunscreen Gel (£43)

This is a broad-spectrum gel-textured SPF50 which doubles as a skincare booster as well as a sun shield. It’s hydrating yet weightless, absorbs quickly and leaving a smooth, velvety finish that lasts all day. It has 80 min of water and sweat resistance and an antioxidant formula. I love it under makeup—it doesn’t pill, it does not feel heavy, and it’s particularly reliable in hot or humid conditions. It also has a pore-blurring effect too which is a big bonus!

2. Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer SPF 50 (£40)

   This Primer/SPF has a soft focus beauty glow filter that creates a flawless, poreless looking skin for makeup application while providing hydration (with hyaluronic acid) and essential daily UVA/UVB defence with SPF 50- this SPF suits everyone of every age, at every skin type and skin tone and is fragrance free!

If you’re planning a photoshoot, wedding, or any event where the camera will be flashing, then choosing the right SPF for that photo-ready skin is important.

Your skin deserves to be protected as well as look flawless, on camera as well as off.

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